Powder-dividing and capsule-filling apparatus.



A I L. G. TAYLOR.

POWDER DIVIDING AND CAPSULE FILLING APPARATUS. I V APPLICATIfiON TILED SEPT. 25,1907.

' 'PATENTED AUG. 4, 1908. v

PATENTEDAUQ 4, 1908. I

v No. 894,917.

A .L. G. TAYLOR. POWDER DIVIDING 'AND CAPSULE FILLING APPARATUS.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 25' 1907.

. PATENTED AUG.4 1908.- L. G. TAYLOR.

ARATUS.

} POWDER DIVIDING AND CAPSULE FILLING APP APPLIUATION BILBD-SEPT.25,1907.

v 3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

LYNN G. TAYLOR, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

POWDER-DIVIDING- AND CAPSULE-FILLIN G APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 4, 1908.

Application filed September 25, 1907. Serial No. 394,521.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LYNN G. TAYLOR, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Kansas City, in the county of J ackson and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Powder-Dividing and Capsule-Filling Apparatus; and I do hereby declare that the fol lowing is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification. Y

The primary object of theinvention is to divide a quantity of powder, more particularly, powdered medicinal preparations for prescription purposes, into equal parts without exposure to the air and with greater accuracy, and with a saving in time. Secondly, to supply any desired number of capsules orenvelops with the divisional amount of powder simultaneously. Third, to remove the filled capsules from the apparatus, either in the aggregate or singly, Without loss of the powder.

The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of the various parts as hereinafter fully described and set forth specifically in the claims.

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of the apparatus in the position in which the conjoint powder holder and powder divider is arranged previous to the discharge of the powder from the powder distributing holder to the capsules. Fig. 2 is a side and broken view of the powder holder partially in vertical section, showing the movable diaphragm and adjusting rod. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are vertical sectional views of the right and left hand ends of the powder holder and also intermediate said ends taken upon the lines cc, y, .2 respectively, on Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of a broken portion of the powder holder as seen in Fig. 1, the, stopper being broken away to show the fastening. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the temporary cover for the powder holder. Fig. 8 is a detail view of the perforate stopper for the rod connected with the diaphragm at the left hand end of the. tube. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the powder holder showing a modification. Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the powder divider and capsule holder; Fig. 11 is a perspective detail view of one portion of the separable powder divider and capsule holder re-,

versed in position. Fig. 12, is a transverse sectional view of the separable powder divider as seen in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 0, 0, on Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is aperspective view of a modification of the powder divider and Fig. 15, a transverse vertical sectional view of the same. Fig. 16 is a view of the powder tamper.

In the drawings, in which like numerals refer to corresponding parts, 20 indicates the novel powder distributing and powder dividing apparatus, composed of the cylindrical powder holding case 21, in which the powder is given an equal distribution and the powder divider and capsule holder 22, into which the powder falls in divisional quantities. The powder holder or case consists of a tube 21 of the desired length, preferably made of glass, and of sufficient thickness to prevent accidental fracture. Extending the length of the tube is an opening 23, of considerable width, which will permit the rapid discharge of the powder and also permit of the attachment of the powder divider as hereinafter described. The sides of the opening 23 are reinforced by thelongitudinal plates 24, in which are V-shaped grooves, 25, portions, 26, of which plates 24 extend longitudinally upon the outer surface of and nearly to the ends of said tube. Upon one of these plates 26 is a scale indicating the division of the tube into equal parts, as seen in Figs. 1 and 6, as further described. Upon the right and left ends of the glass tube 21 are castings or caps 27 and 28, respectively, which are larger in circumference than the tube, and octagothe tube is inserted. In the outer surface of the cap is an outwardly curved depression 31, the sides of which are grooved at 32, these grooves being in direct line with and corres onding t0 the grooves 25 in the plates 26. .n this cap 27, is a central opening, 33, eccentric to the lines of the depression 30, the lines of the opening 30' approaching quite near the line of the depression in that portion of the cap 27 in a vertical line with the depression 31, thus making the metal or material thicker below said depression. In the cap 28, the end of the tube at the left extends within an opening 34, which opening extends through the said cap as seen in Fig. 2, the

inner circumference of the opening being the I same as that of the tube 21 The ends of the plates 26 are connected by brazing or in any other suitable manner with the caps 27 and 28. a

In the opening 33 of the cap 27 is fitted a stopper, 36, preferably of metal, as the powder is not liable to adhere to it. The fasteningfor the stopper consists of pins, 37, which enter the slots 38, in the sides of the opening 33, these slots having offsets in op osite directions (see Fig. 5) in the directiono the circumference of the said opening. Aknob 40 on the outer surface of the stopper enables the stopper to be partially turned and thus secure the pins within the offsets of the grooves. In the central opening 35 of the cap 28, is fitted a stopper 42, in which is a central opening, 43. This stopper is secured withm said opening in the same manner as the stopper 36, lugs, upon the stopper for turning the, same being employed. Within the case 21 is a movable diaphragm 44, which fits quite snugly in the inner surface thereof, an adjusting rod being connected with the movable diaphragm, which extends through the opening 43, in the stopper 42. In the red are made transverse perforations 46,

. surfaces of the respective caps 27 and 28.

these perforations being graduated from the diaphragm and u on the lines of the scale, u' on plate 26. n order to retain the dia phragm in afixedposition at any desired point in the tube, an eye 47 is secured to the outer surface of the stopper 42, adjacent to one side of opening 43. A s ring catch 48 is connected with one of the ugs on stopper, 40 the lower end of the spring being bent at right angles and extended through the eye 47 into one of the perforations in rod 45.

The owder divider 22 consists of a longitudinal y extended rece tacle which is ap proximately the width 0 the opening 23 in the powder holding tube 21 and is approximately triangular in cross section. The length of the receptacle corresponds to the distance.on the case 21, between the innIer n the up er ortion of the receptacle are transverse ivi ing walls or partitions 50, and between these walls are spaces 51, which are equal in number and equally proportioned to the respective spaces between the'numerals on the scale on the plate 26, on the tube 21 of the a paratus. The sides of the walls 50, and also the inner surfaces 50 of the ends of the receptacle incline at o posite angles to each other, downwardly and inwardly, and at the lower ends of said spaces are circular pockets 52, of the size of'a capsule, in relation to which the spaces 51 are enlarged. The ends of the s aces 51 also incline downwardly and inwardfy so as to terminate in a circular opening at the mouth of the pocket.

The receptacle 22 is separable longitudinally and vertically into two unequal parts, 53 and 54, the lines of separation being in the direction past the point intermediate the sides 53 and 54, in the direction of side 54, thus leaving in part 52 the larger part of the circumference of the pocket. The lower portion of the side 54 of the receptacle directly beneath the pocket 52, is curved in the are of a circle and forms a seat 55. The lower end of the part 53 is also curved at 56 in the are of a circle in a lesser degree and ii ts within the seat 55, thus permitting the part 53 to he raised in position and detached from the part 54. At the ends of the receptacle is a hook 57, which secures the separable parts of the receptacle temporarily together. In order that the spaces 51 may exactly register when the separable parts of the receptacle are united, pins 58, are employed on one part of the receptacle, which enter perforations in the opposing surfaces of the other part of the receptacle. Transverse bars 59 are connected with the curved. lower end of the )art 54 of the powder dividing receptacle, w rich form feet and support the receptacle in an upright position when it is desired to remove the part 53.

. The upper portions of the ends of the powder divider or receptacle 22 and also the upper ends of the partitions 50 are curved downwardly in the are of a circle so as to pass the outwardly curved surface 31 of the cap 27 on the powder holder. Upon the upper longitudinal portions of the parts 53 and 54, of the powder dividing receptacle are V-shaped extensions, 60, which fit within the grooves 25, of the reinforcing plate 24, on the respective sides of the opening 23, in the powder holding case 21. In the preparation and admixture of powders with the invention, the component ingredients are first placed in the powder holder or case 21. In practice, the aggregate quantity to fill the prescription is divisible into equal fractional parts, each sufficient to fill a capsule.

The part 53 of the powder divider is then supplied with the number of capsules desired, beginning at one end, of the part of the receptacle at the right hand, and filling consecutively the pockets 52 with the capsules toward the left end of the receptacle. Should the number of capsules required occupy less than the entire number of pockets, the number being ascertained, the diaphragm 44 is moved within the tube 21 of the powder holder or case, in the direction of the end. of the case at the right hand end a distance exactly measuring or corresponding to the number of spaces, 51, and pockets 52 supplied with the capsules. This is obtained by a count of the perforations 46 in the rod 45, and when the )osition of the movable diaphragm 44, which will be op )osite one of the marked indices of the scale is fixed, the spring catch 48 which engages with the perforation, immediately opposite, will hold. the rod from movement.

crushing of the sides of the capsules.

1 ing wit For the purpose of mixing the ingredients within the powder holder, a temporary cover.

of thin plate 61 is employed as seen in Fig. 7, which is slightly curved in cross-section and 'fitted within the grooved sides to the open- The powder ing 23, of the powder holder. holder is then violently shaken, thoroughly mixing the contents, and the holder then laid upon a horizontal surface and a rolling movement imparted thereto by the hand, in which 0 eration the octagonal caps 27 and 28 give a ar to the holder and the mixed ingredients are evenly distributed by gravity in the lower portion of the case 21, between the movable dia hragm and the stopper, this distribution eing such that the equal length of the case will contain equal parts of the powder, this being readily seen through the glass and when complete, the cover 61 is withdrawn from the opening 23 of the powder holder, the position of the longitudinal opening 23 being upward. The part 53 of the powder divider, with the capsules in place, is then connected with the part 54 and ooked together and the powder divider reversed in position with the left hand end opposite the grooves 25, in the reinforcing plate 26 at the right hand end of the powder older 20 and above the'curved depression 31 of the cap 27, and with the V-shaped projection or tongue within the grooves 25, and the powder divider, with a sliding movement is placed in position on the powder holder, covering the opening 23, as seen in Fig. 1. The apparatus is then horizontally turned into a position resting upon the legs 59, equal parts of the powder falling simulthe spaces 51, of the powder dividing receptacle and the sur lus powder above the capsules being force into the capsules, the rounded end of the tamper preventing fiie e act of tamping the owder would result in expanding slightly tie sides of the capsule, and of course is resisted by and bind slightly the adjacent sides of the pocket 52. The hook 57 (which has a binding action) is then released and the part 54 of the powder dividing rece tacle removed from its seat 55, takit the number of filled capsules. Owing to the circumference of the pocket in part 53 being in excess of half a circle, the capsules are uniformly retained in said part 53. The part 53 is then laid on its external surface, thus inclining slightly the said part and its contents, thereby reventing the powder from falling out of the capsules. The capsules are then removed one at a time, by the fingers and the caps fitted to the spaces 51 in Figs. 1 and 10.

capsules, the operation of filling the capsules, 1t eing observed, is without exposure to air or the mouth of the operator from noxious medicaments, and the tedious process of trituratidn of the ingredients. In my invention, the division of the powder into equal parts and delivering these parts to the respective capsules is performed with greater readiness and accuracy than in the manner commonly em loyed. A novel and effective reduction of t e space in the tube 21 may be effected by the employment of the movable diaphragm without the rod, as seen in Fig. 9. This movable diaphragm, 62, obviates the necessity of a stopper at the left hand end of the powder holder, and is made of considerable width, an opening, 63, being made in the outer portion of the movable diaphragm, which extends a short distance inwardly. The movable diaphragm being tightly fitted to the tube, is moved by the application of the finger to any desired point in the case. The case may be readily cleaned after the removal of both stoppers and diaphragm,

which is of much importance.

holder as described of the receptacle shown in Fig. 1. The transverse division walls 65,

in the construction shown in Fig. 14, are

nearly perpendicular and the openings or spaces 66 are the same distance apart as the These openings 66, however, extend through the bottom of the receptacle and the spaces 66 are temporarily closed by a sliding plate 67, mounted in the longitudinal grooves 68 in the bottom of the receptacle. Instead of separating the receptacle as in Fig. 11, and removing the capsules from theseparable part, the slide 67 is removed when necessary to deposit the divided powder.

It is obvious that the proportions of the apparatus may be varied and sets of powder dividers employed, the pockets in which are specially adapted to the various sizes of capsulesthese capsules, as is well known, vary -I now claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus for dividing powders, comprising a powder holding case, having an opening for the discharge of the powder, and a powder dividing receptacle and sliding connecting devices connecting said receptacle with the powder holder.

2. In an apparatus for dividing powder, the combination with a case for holding the quantity of powder to be divided, having a longitudinal opening therein and grooves in said opening, and a powder divider having extensions adapted to slide within said grooves.

3. In an apparatus, for dividing powders, the combination with a case for holding the quantity of powder to be divided, having stoppers at the ends, and provided with a longitudinal opening for the discharge of the powder, and grooves in the sides of said open ing, means within the case for controlling the quantity of powder to be divided, and a powder dividing receptacle having separate spaces or pockets beneath the opening in said case, and extensions on the sides of said receptacle adapted to slide within the grooves in said powder holding case.

4. In an apparatus for dividing powders, the combination with the case for holding the quantity of powder to be divided, having a longitudinal opening and grooves in the sides of said opening, stoppers in the ends of said case, a movable diaphragm in said case, and an adjusting rod extending through one of said stoppers, and a powder dividing receptacle and projections thereon adapted to slide in the grooves in said case.

5. The combination with a longitudinal powder distributing case for holding the powder to which a rolling movement is imparted, thereby evenly distributing the powder throughout the length of the case, of means for removing from the case the powder in equal fractional parts.

6. The combination with a longitudinal powder distributing case to which a rolling movement is imparted, having a discharge opening, a cover to said opening and means for jarring said case during a rolling movement.

7. The combination with a longitudinal powder distributing case for holding the powder to which a rolling movement is imparted, having a longitudinal discharge opening, and caps having flat surfaces upon the ends of the case adapted to ar the case during said rolling movement.

8. The combination with a longitudinal powder distributing case, having a longitudinal discharge opening, means for temporarily covering said opening, caps upon the ends of said case having openings and removable stoppers for said case within said open ings.

9. The combination with a case for holding the powder having a longitudinal discharge opening, meansfor covering said opening, a movable diaphragm within one .end of said case and a stopper at the other end. and means for adjusting the position of said diaphragm.

10. The combination with a distributing case for the powder having a longitudinal discharge opening, means for covering said opening, a movable diaphragm within said case, an adjusting rod connected with the diaphragm extending through one end of said case and means for securing said rod in an adjusted position.

11. The combination with a case for holding the powder having a longitudinal discharge opening, and a movable diaphragm within said case, an adjusting rod having perforations, and securing devices at the end of said case adapted to engage with the said perforations.

12. The combination with a powder distributing case, having an opening for the discharge of the powder, stoppers at the ends of said case, means for covering said discharge opening, a diaphragm within said case, an adjusting rod having perforations connected with the diaphragm, and extending through one of said stoppers, lugs on said stopper, an eye on said stopper, a spring catch on said lug extending through sa1d eye, and engaging with the perforations in said rod.

13. In a powder divider for capsules, a receptacle having separate powder dividing spaces or pockets, said receptacle having separable unequal parts, dividing said spaces or pockets.

14. In a powder divider for capsules, a receptacle having separate powder dividing pockets, enlarged spaces leading to the pockets, said receptacle having separable unequal parts dividing the said spaces, and pockets, and securing devices for the separate parts.

15. In a powder divider for capsules, a receptacle having separate powder dividing pockets, enlarged spaces leading to the said pockets, said. receptacle having separable unequal parts dividing the said spaces and pockets, and a seat at the bottom of one part of the receptacle for the other part.

16. In powder dividers for capsules, a receptacle having separate powder dividing pockets, said receptacle having separable unequal parts, a seat at the bottom of one of said parts, for the other part, and a suitable fastening for said parts.

17. In powder dividers for capsules, a receptacle having separate powder dividing pockets, said receptacle having separably unequal parts, one of said parts having an upwardly curved lower end portion adapted to fOlllll a seat for the other part of said receptac e.

LYNN G. TAYLOR.

Witnesses H. L. GREEN, NATHAN F. CARTER. 

